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Best Vinyl Cutting Machines

by John Hager - Last updated September 17, 2017

Businesses now usually don’t have the time to actually have their labor cut their vinyl out for them. Therefore, most of them have now bought vinyl cutting machines, which actually help cut out vinyl sheets for them.

Available at a highly affordable rate, in all shapes and sizes, you can choose the one you need for your office easily. The cutter works fast and takes your work productivity to a whole new level. Also, these cutters ensure the shape you set stays as it is. Click here to see our #1 pick on Amazon.com.

Top 3 Vinyl Cutting Machines on the market

Why do you Need These Machines?

If you’re in the plastic sheet making business, you will obviously know that yards of sheets need to be cut into different sizes to go out for sale and marketing.

Therefore, these vinyl cutting machines ensure this task is done in time. Since these are self-adhesive, there has been a lot of demand for them in the printing world until recently.

If you’re in a big firm, catering to this demand shouldn’t be a problem since you can get a bigger cutting machine. However, even if you’re working at a smaller scale, these cutting machines can really help you fasten your business up, and are great for making greater profits on investments by saving up on labor costs.

Most printing businesses have these cutting machines which help them get their orders out on time or in times of emergency from the clients. Many people can simply get letters cut out of these cutting machines as well, without any help as well!

Top 5 Vinyl Cutting Machine Reviews

1. USCutter MH721 Vinyl Cutting Machine Bundle

This vinyl cutting machine bundle might be the way to go if you’re just starting. This package brings 2 of USCutter’s most sought-after machines as a combo. It includes the MH721 vinyl cutting machine and a 15’’ by 15’’ Clamshell-style heat press machine. You also get 5 rolls of Oracal 651 vinyl each measuring 24 by 5 foot.

There’s so much to like about the MH721 vinyl cutting machine. First, it feels fairly sturdy, and it’s well built. Second, this model comes with 3 adjustable pinch rollers which are quite enough for most hobbyists. Fortunately, you can also add another roller if you’re used to more than this.

One key feature that makes this the best vinyl cutting machine is that it’s compatible with several popular cutting software. These include SignCut Productivity Pro, Flexi, SignBlaser, and SureCuts. The MH721 comes with the basic version of VinylMaster Cut. This is a dedicated software with a customizable and intuitive interface. Notably, this software brings several vectorization tools. It’s also compatible with major image formats. Even better, this vinyl cutting machine also has a pen adapter. This one lets you tweak your designs as you need them before cutting.

Pros

Compatible with several versions of Windows: Vista/XP/7/8/10

Versatile connectivity options- USB, Serial, Parallel

Supports popular software

Supports designs from your phone

Pays for itself easily and it’s durable

Cons

Does not support Mac/Apple computers

2. Vinyl Cutter USCutter MH 34in BUNDLE

If you are new to the Vinyl Cutting game this is the cutter for you. This cutter comes with two pinch rollers that can be adjusted to meet your every need. Couple that with the Roland compatible blade holder and you have a machine that will let you try out some of the most affordable blades on the market.

The 34 inch vinyl cutter comes with a ball-bearing roller media system, and a host of other materials that allow you to cut almost any size, even o.5” H.

However, the machine does have a few downsides. For instance, it doesn’t perform well when dealing with intricate designs, especially as it has no laser. Though it may be easy to put together, the instructions are pretty vague, so you may have to do a lot of figuring things out for yourself. Additionally, it is rather large, therefore, before you buy it you have to ensure that you have the space to keep it.

However, despite the downsides, this is a fantastic piece of kit to own, especially if you are a beginner and want to learn more about Vinyl cutting.

Cameo II comes in a bundle that includes; free software, 51 exclusive cuttable designs, and vinyl trimmer blades. You also get a black cutting blade, a cutting mat, and a 1-month subscription to Silhouette store.

What makes this machine worth every buck is its versatility. It can cut almost anything that goes its way including paper, vinyl, cardstock, or fabric. Cameo cuts up to 12’’ wide and 10ft long. This is certainly sufficient for most hobbyists and light-commercial purposes.

Worth pointing out, Cameo II vinyl cutting machine can do more than just cutting. So, if you wish to explore more, you can replace the cutting blade with a pen. This allows you to sketch rather than cut. Surprisingly, you can control the pen from your computer or simply plug in your USB with the design into the machine.

Perhaps what makes Cameo II the best vinyl cutting machine for the money is the endless support that you get. As a newbie, you’ll gladly benefit from lots of tutorials, walk-throughs, and guides from the Cameo community.

Pros

Affordable start-up kit for light to medium projects

Machine supports both Windows and Mac systems

Lots of support for starters

Cons

Has no wireless connectivity

Has weak cutting force

4. Silhouette Cameo 3

Silhouette Cameo 3 is, in our opinion, the ultimate DIY machine. This vinyl cutting machine is not only ideal for starters but professionals alike.

One thing that we surely love about Cameo 3 is its ability to work on over 100 different materials. These include the usual materials; fabric, cardstock, vinyl, foil, foam, and paper. It also supports a whole lot of other materials. By the same vein, Cameo 3 has double the cutting the cutting clearance of Cameo 2. It also has an intuitive touch screen interface. In addition, it features an incredible roller locking mechanism. These features make working with the different materials easy and straightforward.

Quite similar to Cameo 2, this unit also has an incredible cutting size. It can cut almost any material at up to 12 inches by 10 feet long. As such, you’ll enjoy switching from small designs to large signage projects. On this note, Silhouette Cameo 3 comes with an Auto Blade. You can match the Blade to a 12×12-inch cutting mat, scrapper tool, hook tool, vinyl trimmer, or ratchet adjustment tool.

Thankfully, the Cameo 3 also has Bluetooth connections. So if you don’t fancy wires tangling your other working equipment, Cameo eliminates that issue. Again, this vinyl cutting machine is compatible with both PC and Mac systems. However, small a feature this is, it’s worth knowing that you can use it on any of your computers.

Pros

Kit packs everything you need to start

Has a wider clearance for different materials

Interactive touch screen makes using the machine easy

You get free online training on vinyl cutting from Silhouette

Cons

Has weak cutting force

Complains about its durability

5. Silhouette Portrait

If you are new to the cutting game and are on a little bit of a tight budget then the cutter for you is the Silhouette portrait. This fantastic vinyl cutting machine will get you on your way to being one of the best vinyl cutters out there, and best of all, it doesn’t only work with vinyl.

It can cut over 10 different materials, including vinyl, allowing you to try out your designs on other materials before you do the final draft on vinyl. It also comes with over 40 different design options that you can experiment with as you learn how to use the cutter so that you do not have to start from scratch. However, if you would like to make your own designs, you can do so quickly and easily right from the start.

There are a few downsides to this brilliant cutter though, the largest of which is its size. It is rather small, and therefore you will have to limit the size of your designs if you would like to purchase this machine. Additionally, it is not very durable, meaning that you are going to have to think of an upgrade or replacement sooner than you think.

However, besides its faults, this is a brilliant machine to get, especially if you are an amateur looking to delve into the world of vinyl cutting.

Pros

Allows you to use multiple materials, not just vinyl

It comes with preset templates

Small size means that it is easy to store

Cons

Small size means that you cannot cut large designs

Durability is an issue

Best Vinyl Machine for Cutting T-Shirts

Cricut Explore Electronic Cutting Machine

If you are looking to design and make your own custom t-shirts, then one of the best ways you could choose to do so is with the Cricut Explore electronic cutting machine. This is one of the most versatile cutters you will ever get, and is capable of cutting a wide range of materials, from vinyl, to cards and of course, cloth.

When it comes to design, the Cricut Explore comes with a host of images and projects that can be downloaded to your machine to help you get started on any project that you would like to embark on. The best thing about the free images and projects is the value; at $100, that is a lot of free content for you to be able to get your hands on when designing t-shirts.

However, do not let the fact that you get free images and projects make you feel like the Cricut Explore will stifle your creativity, as this machine allows you to upload and cut your own designs for free, including any SVG files that you may have. This gives you the freedom to explore your creative boundaries, and even edit and save some of the preset files.

One of the best things about this product’s software is that it is free for life, and does not need any paid upgrades to be able to continue running. It is also very easy to use, and allows you to get your work done quickly and efficiently.

There are a few downsides to this product though. For starters, though the software is free and easy to use, it is also entirely web-based, meaning that you will HAVE to have an internet connection if you would like to use this cutter. Additionally, you cannot adjust the knife for different materials, you will have to switch out the whole thing if you would like to adjust parameters like blade length.

Pros

Can cut more than 50 different materials

Software is free and easy to use

Large database of images and projects included

Cons

Web-based program means that you cannot use the machine unless you have internet

Blades cannot be reconfigured and have to be replaced for different jobs

Best Cricut Machine for Cutting Vinyl

Cricut Explore Air Wireless Cutting Machine

The Cricut Explore series is an upgrade of Provo craft’s previous offering, the Cricut Expression 2, and it is a huge improvement. The CriCut Explore Air is one of the best machines in the series, and is made even more appealing by the fact that it works wirelessly, meaning that you do not have to worry about where you are going to place it due to cable reach. Should you need additional connectivity, this vinyl cutter also has Bluetooth capability, though you will have to buy an adapter to activate it.

The Cricut Explore Air can cut over 50 different materials, and allows you to cut, draw, and score your designs, giving you finer control of everything that you want to cut. It also comes with dual clamps that allow you to cut and draw at the same time, and allows you to print then cut, giving you even more control of your designs.

Pros

Can cut over 50 different materials

Long lasting carbide blade from Germany

Comes with free access to online software

Cons

Have to buy an adapter for the Bluetooth

It requires an internet connection to function

Design software is not good at creating custom shapes

Vinyl Cutting Machines Buying Guide

The world has progressed from painted advertisements to vinyl cutting machines which are used to make signs and banners. These are computer controlled machines that can smoothly cut through self-adhesive plastic, otherwise known as vinyl.

If you are looking to buy one, it would be a good idea to first thoroughly assess your need. Determine the size of your intended machine by first considering the dimensions of the vinyl you are going to be using. Small vinyl sheets require smaller machines, however bear in mind that the smallest size of vinyl available in the market is 18’’. Furthermore, if you are looking to cut materials other than vinyl, such as foils and fabrics, then you should consider doling out a larger sum of money on a bigger machine.

Here are two basic types of machines to help you choose:

Bare Bones cutters

Being the most basic type of vinyl cutter machines, these are cheaply priced. They usually have speed adjust and a pen force but are good only for one color print jobs. However, these are perfect for those who are hoping to set up a small scale business to test the waters. You can reduce costs further by building your own exposure unit.

High end cutter

These vinyl cutting machines are exactly as the name suggests; high end. This means that although they have the ability to contour cut and slice through rhinestones, these qualities are reflected in their high prices. An added advantage is that they come with built in servo motors which results in a less noisy working environment. However, bad quality servos can be troublesome, so be sure to choose a reliable brand.

Lastly, be sure to buy a vinyl cutting machine with a sufficient coverage plan or convenient warranty because getting a machine repaired or part replaced on your own can be quite expensive.

Conclusion

If you are looking to begin creating designs using a vinyl cutter, then any of the machines listed above would be an excellent place to start, especially the Silhouette Portrait, as this is the cheapest model and will allow you to get a feel of what you are doing.

However, if you would like to have the freedom to satisfy your curiosity, then any of the Cricut machines would be an excellent choice. Though they do have a couple of downsides, the wide range of materials that they are capable of handling means that you will be unrestricted, and you will be able to create designs for virtually any material you choose.